Jonathan Mayo reports that Gerrit Cole, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft, will make his pro debut on Friday in the Arizona Fall League. There's no word on whether he'll start or relieve, but he'll probably pitch only an inning or two in any case.
↵Cole, a pitcher from UCLA, is known for his blazing stuff. He struggled a bit in his last year of college, so it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to fairly high-level pro competition. (The Arizona Fall League is about the level of Class AA.) Reports out of the Pirates' instructional leagues have suggested he's throwing very hard, so he may have success right away.
↵Cole and Jameson Taillon are the Pirates' top prospects, so Friday will be a big day for Pirates fans. And a big day for prospect watchers as well - anytime a No. 1 overall pick makes his debut, it's a big deal.
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